Police, community and calendar briefs for Aug. 17, 2013

Published: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 10:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 5:46 p.m.

POLICE BEAT

Police say woman stole from Walmart

A woman who told a police officer she stole clothing because her washing machine was broken and she wanted to wear clean clothes for her husband was arrested Thursday and charged with retail petit theft and resisting a merchant.

Ocala police Officer Mike Rossi received a call about a theft in progress at Walmart, 2600 SW 19th Avenue Road. He noticed a woman who looked suspicious by the Hollywood 16 parking lot, which is across the street from Walmart.

The woman, later identified as Michelle L. Cook, ran but eventually was caught, police said.

She was taken to the Walmart, where she was identified by a loss prevention employee as the person who stole items from the business.

The employee said Cook paid for food but also stuffed clothing into her purse. She was stopped by security but ran away.

Cook, 39, apologized and said her washing machine was broken and she wanted to change into clean clothes for her husband, Ocala police said.

COMMUNITY

Superstars of Wrestling event will be postponed

Due to logistical reasons, Superstars of Wrestling Live has postponed its Ocala event scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Ocala Entertainment Complex.

Refunds are available at the point of sale.

The event is in the process of being rescheduled.

For more information, visit www.xselive.com.

FWC: Tell us when you spot three rare snakes

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists are asking the public to report sightings of three rare snake species: the Florida pine snake, the southern hognose snake and the short-tailed snake. Citizens can help with research on these species by reporting sightings online.

All of these snake species have been petitioned for federal listing.

The three species are found in dry, upland habitats and spend most of their time underground. They are only occasionally seen moving along the surface or crossing a road.

For each report, the citizen is asked to provide the location where they saw the snake and the month and year the observation occurred. Researchers are also requesting citizens to submit photos of the snakes, when possible, to verify identification.

Reports can include live or dead animals.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Conservation.

LifeSouth bloodmobile is soliciting donations

The LifeSouth Community Blood Centers bloodmobile will be at the following locations. Everyone who donates blood will be registered to win a 50-inch television and a weekend stay at Courtyard by Marriott.

For more information, visit the center at 1607 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, or call 622-3544.

Living Healthy series of workshops at church

Do you want to take control of your chronic illness? This workshop series takes place once a week, for two and a half hours, for six weeks. People with different chronic health problems attend together.

The first class will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 29 at Grace Episcopal Church, 501 SE Broadway St., Ocala.

The seminars cover the following:

Techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation.

Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance.